About Our Founder

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Dr. A.R.K. Pillai
Founder President, IDF

Message to our readers

"Life presents immense opportunities to advance self and others during the journey of life. Positive attitude is the key stone for all pursuits and we must plan and do things in pursuit of goals set by us. A large number of people suffer from poverty, ignorance, disease and adverse circumstances. Here lies an excellent opportunity to serve all those in distress and wipe out their tears. By doing so, we find God. Service to living beings is service to God.

Knowledge holds the key for empowerment. We must progress by all means, but tune our minds to progress others as well. An educated and enlightened civil society is the best insurance against all odds. Our active interest can transform the world into a dream land. We can certainly win and sublimate our lives through this simple formula.

Why postpone good things in life? "

What Will Matter

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.

So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.

It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought but what you built,
not what you got but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew,
but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.

What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.
It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.

With all good wishes

Dr. A. R.K. Pillai

"Lets care for our fellow beings and make this our gospel for life.
Lets edify and sublimate our lives! "

Dr. A. R.K. Pillai

Proud to introduce our readers a very down-to-earth man, Dr. Pillai, nearing 88 and a widower leads a simple life in Mumbai. A peep into his life story may reveal his crusading effort spread over several decades. A social scientist with long years of social and humanitarian services. His life and professions are led by simplicity and humility. His social work directed towards the needy who suffer from most stigmatized population of India, spans over 3 decades and continues with greater vigor. He left his highly lucrative job to take up leprosy service - a unbelievable self and family sacrifice anyone would ever do with a sole intention of uplifting leprosy patients.

He ventured in spite of odds against at the time, when this disease was looked down upon and people suffering with were social outcasts. He is none other than Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, fondly known to his close friends as 'Ram'. Let us understand Dr. Pillai's greatest humanitarian work and his amazing achievements.

Dr. Pillai is the President of Indian Development Foundation (IDF) a leading National Registered NGO based in Mumbai and is spread over several states in India. Started as Indian Leprosy Foundation in 1983-84, it had almost achieved its objectives and therefore, got diversified and rechristened as Indian Development Foundation in April 2005. IDF focuses on Health, Education and Development and the aim is to assist in the process of India's development.

Dr. Pillai, nearing 86 and a widower leads a simple life in Mumbai. A peep into his life story may reveal his crusading effort spread over several decades. Ram got married to Shyama during October 1958, thus Ram started a family life in Mumbai they were blessed with a boy, who was named Girish. His wife Shyama was a social worker and a Trustee of the Foundation and helped Dr. Pillai and other members for furthering leprosy work. Shyama developed symptoms of cancer in December 2002. Shyama passed away in April 2003. Son Girish, a Chartered Accountant by profession, is currently the CEO of Botswana Cricket Association in Gabarone. Daughter-in-law: Indu Girish - An accomplished teacher and historian. Girish has been one of the major supporters for his decision and on going work.

In the 1980's their family discussions often converged on the plight of the poor and the suffering sick. Shyama in her spare time used to look after some sick people and also visit those in distress for a friendly chat. It became clear that the high profile job is an entanglement in some way and prevented them from doing what seemed right and proper for a saner and sober life. Though Girish was only in the 8th standard at that time, they used to include him in their discussions and sought his independent opinion. He too gave his right signal.

It became clear that Ram and Shyama should take up some social and humanitarian work to sublimate their life. Ram did not know anything about leprosy, but the friends kept on reminding him on his role. Mr. Paul, a top official of the Indian Red Cross and a Samaritan, used to be a frequent visitor to Ram family in Delhi. Several dialogues with him ended in Ram taking the resolve. He learnt about leprosy and its manifestations as thoroughly as possible keeping in mind the social angle. His wife Shyama and young son Girish lent their support and they were prepared to shed their star life they were leading. Ram and his family took the decision to simplify their lives and this process became a continuing pattern.

Finally, Ram left a highly lucrative job to take up leprosy work in all earnestness. He started writing articles in leading papers and journals about leprosy and the social stigma, reminding the society about their obligations to suffering leprosy patients. It was at that time that the Germans and the Swiss approached him with a suggestion and he agreed to take an honorary assignment as their Public Relations Adviser in India. Around this time late Prime Minister announced India's resolve to eradicate leprosy and lent full political support. Dr. Swaminathan Commission on leprosy was appointed and Ram was a special invitee for the Commission during its tenure. He had a few interactions with Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. All these gave a thorough insight into the field. He was also a regular visitor to Germany and Europe and Ram addressed several donor groups raising funds for India on behalf of the German Agency.

Mrs. Shyama Pillai With Mother Teresa

Girish Pillai

Dr. Pillai With Pope John Paul II

Ram Pillai felt that instead of raising funds in Germany for India, it was better to do the same work in India. There were reasons for this argument. Leprosy is a problem for India and it is for Indians to solve this. We have a large number of benevolent people in this country and they can give their mite and in the process, leprosy awareness too can carry on. No one gives money unless the donor is satisfied with the purpose and here is an opportunity to educate people. He discussed the matter with the Germans and also with our former Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi and got a nod of approval.

Thus Indian Leprosy Foundation was founded by Ram Pillai and he was chosen by the Trustees to be its Founder President. Important decisions were then taken by the Foundation. The first decision was that the Trustees must sacrifice something for the cause and they will not be entitled for monetary benefit. The Foundation has to be self-reliant and for this purpose it has to enthuse the people to support the cause by donating money according to their mite. The Foundation shall not take any government grant nor take funds from big business houses. In addition, by practicing economy and saving some funds, the Foundation could share such funds for voluntary organizations doing leprosy work in India.

These decisions are observed in letter and spirit by the Foundation even now. It gives ILEF Grants to about 100 leprosy organizations in India to the tune of Rs.35 to Rs.40 lakhs every year and this has been going on for the past 15 years now without break. The Foundation is working closely in collaboration with the central and state governments, NGOs and networking agencies in India and abroad. Ram Pillai had been offered 5 short-term assignments by WHO and Gov. of India for independent evaluation of ongoing leprosy programs in different states. This meant some recognition.

Ram Pillai had also organized a novel scheme with the help of volunteer teachers known as Pragati Prakalp for tribal students of Karjat area, Maharashtra. He is the Chief Editor and Publisher of Joint Action, a magazine devoted to the cause of leprosy. He is a prolific reader and writer and contributes to periodicals and journals regularly on current topics. He is deeply religious and is a senior Traditional Reiki Master and Teacher.

His wife Shyama was a social worker and a Trustee of the Foundation and helped Dr. Pillai and other members for furthering leprosy work. Shyama developed symptoms of cancer in December 2002. Shyama passed away in April 2003. Son Girish, a Chartered Accountant by profession, is currently the CEO of Botswana Cricket Association. Daughter-in-law: Indu Girish - An accomplished teacher and historian. Girish has been one of the major supporters for his decision and on going work. Dr. Pillai is an unassuming person, easily accessible to people of all shades and positions. He has been a counselor for forty years and many people come to him with a variety of problems and he finds solutions.

Dr. Pillai was invited by the Pope to visit Vatican to address an annual world group, which he did in November 2001. Shyama and Dr. Narayan accompanied him as the guests of the Holy Father. Ram Pillai had two special audiences with the Pope as a distinguished guest.

Leprosy Scenario in India: It is relevant to add here that leprosy was a misunderstood disease over the generations with no cure and social stigma was the main curse attached to the disease. Leprosy is a visible disease with crippling deformities. Those suffering from leprosy were hounded and thrown out of society and even the doctors and social workers in leprosy had the same fate.

In 1982, India had 4 million leprosy patients (world 12 Mn). The national prevalence rate was 60 per 10,000 populations. Some states and districts had even 300 to 400 patients per 10,000 populations. 75 districts were hyper-endemic

The union Health ministry was the coordinator and the states, municipalities and NGOs shared the work according to their mite. Our Foundation had the strength in mass communications and networking and therefore took up massive leprosy awareness to the millions.

Our Field Teams and committed Volunteers worked hand in hand in spreading leprosy awareness among the teeming millions. The Head office of our Foundation spearheaded mass communication through mass media, through papers, radio and the TV. It was a fight to the finish for them. The Foundation worked in close collaboration with the Gov. of India, state governments, municipalities and other NGOs and earned the status of a leading NGO for leprosy elimination over the years.

WHO also considered their work good and invited Dr. Pillai to join the team of Evaluators for the state programs in states. The union Health ministry was the coordinator and the states, municipalities and NGOs shared the work according to their mite. Our Foundation had the strength in mass communications and networking and therefore took up massive leprosy awareness to the millions.

Our Field Teams and committed Volunteers worked hand in hand in spreading leprosy awareness among the teeming millions. The Head office of our Foundation spearheaded mass communication through mass media, through papers, radio and the TV. It was a fight to the finish for them. The Foundation worked in close collaboration with the Gov. of India, state governments, municipalities and other NGOs and earned the status of a leading NGO for leprosy elimination over the years. WHO also considered their work good and invited Dr. Pillai to join the team of Evaluators for the state programs in states.

The result: India reached leprosy elimination status by 2006 with total case loads less than 80,000 in while of India and the prevalence rate at 0.80 per 10,000 populations. This is the most spectacular success in any public health program in independent India.

The impossible had been achieved by public participation. An age old disease carried down from generation to generation, causing gross and crippling deformities, grossly misunderstood because of lack of cure, object of rejection for patients from the kith and kin and the society with worldwide social stigma, could be eliminated in India where gross poverty, illiteracy and superstitious beliefs predominate! An incredible feat was thus achieved in modern India by excellent team work backed by the political will. What can be more satisfying to the nation and its people?

With the drastic fall in the number of leprosy cases, it was decided to broaden the Foundation's functions and diversify. Therefore it was re-christened as Indian Development Foundation (IDF) from April 1, 2005.

IDF and its road map: IDF has 3 broad areas of focus:

HEALTH - TB/HIV AIDs-Cancer-Blindness and residual leprosy

EDUCATION - for the poor and the marginalized including physically handicapped

DEVELOPMENT - of rural and tribal villages and evolving a scientific and social temper.

HEALTH: IDF has its own Field Teams and a large number of Volunteers for carrying on its work. It includes health awareness campaigns, treatment facilities through 120 Associate Hospitals and Net working for better results. In addition IDF sponsors children of all leprosy patients in Maharashtra State for primary and secondary education. IDF supports groups of children at Vimala Centre Mumbai and Gremaltes Hospital Chennai under its care and attention.

DEVELOPMENT - IDF had adopted Tamnath Village, Karjat and several improvements had been carried out during the last 3 years. IDF is in the process of adopting more villages.

Volunteerism has been the core of the Foundation. People from all walks of life have been lending their support. The names of those who had influenced Dr.Pillai and supported him could be a mammoth list. It will be a giant effort.

Above all, God's hand is supreme and needs to be mention, however, some notable persons, who are young and dynamic, listed below are worth mentioning: Mr. Cecil Joseph, an intimate friend of Dr. Pillai, has been a constant supporter in many ways, he had been associated with the Foundation from the start. He had participated in several programs at various locations. He continues to be a supporter and well wisher.

Dr. Narayan Iyer, Mr. C. Chidambaram and Mr. S. Franklin are senior Managers and functionaries of the Foundation. There are several others and it is difficult to mention the names of all.

Please log onto www.idf.org.in for the netizens information to know more on IDF.

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Award from Avantika, New Delhi - Presented at Jaipur on November 2004.

Life Time Achievement Award from Bharat Sevak Samaj founded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru - 2007.

President of America's Volunteer Service Award For outstanding social service Presented at Chicago on July 2010.

Life Time Achievement Award 2013 - Rotary International District 3140 for leprosy work.

An Autobiography on
Dr. Pillai's Life and His Service to Society
$25.00 per copy
(includes mailing charges
within US & Canada)

CURRENT ASSIGNMENTS

President - Indian Development Foundation.

President - Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh - Maharashtra.

President - Bombay Leprosy Project.

Chairman - Nilgiris Leprosy Eradication Scheme.

Hon. PR Advisor - GLRA (Germany)/ ALES (Switzerland).

Chief Editor - Joint Action Magazine.

Former Member - WHO/ Govt. of India - Evaluation Team.

TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS

Organized several Groups and conducted public Speaking courses from 1960
Taught at the NM Institute of Management Studies ( now a deemed University) for Management Students (MMS course).

Taught at the Canara Bank Training College for staff and officers for more than 10 years.

Initiated a few hundred persons into Reiki system of drugless healing.

Took several classes for Executive and Managers from various industries.

Went to Saudi Arabia for taking classes for Executives- organized by Mr. Cecil Joseph.

Currently taking Empowerment Sessions for undergraduate and post-graduate students.

Dr. AR K PILLAI

TOUCHING LIVES THROUGH SIMPLICITY

Empathy was a pivoting factor in inspiring Dr. A.R.K.Pillai to carve his niche in the field of humanitarian services. Dr. Pillai, fondly known as Ram, is the President of the Indian Development Foundation (IDF), a leading National Registered NGO based in Mumbai and gradually and successfully scattering its tentacles all over India.

Despite leading a life hampered with the struggle against poverty at every bend, despite having not more than a few rupees in his pocket, he set out to Mumbai and secured a job in the Railways, and from there on his dedication and sincerity have only led him on a winning spree in the game of life.

Dr. Pillai is the epitome of simplicity and humility. His left a highly lucrative job in order to help the neediest- leprosy infected patients. His 3 areas of focus are health, education and development. Living by the aphorism 'service to living beings is service to god' he continues to ascend the golden stairs of sacred service with renewed passion even at the tender age of 80.

His calm disposition is endearing and his inscrutable charm only adds to his magnificent personality and commendable vigour. In this talk, Mr. Pillai gives a description of how he setup the IDF and helped millions of people in India.